The 40-40-40 Rule
by Ronnie Tyler
Sylvia Wafver-Clark, an Atlanta based wedding planner, came up with an excellent idea to help a local children’s shelter. The Atlanta Children’s Shelter provides a safe haven for 40 kids everyday. So Sylvia came up with the idea to have 40 weddings for $40 in 40 hours. And the beauty of this idea is that she not only helped the children, but she also helped 40 couples (who might not have otherwise been able to afford it) have a wedding complete with a reception, cake, dancing…etc. I am hoping that Sylvia’s actions will inspire us all to start giving of our time and/or resources (especially as the holiday season is quickly approaching.)
You are probably thinking that you could not possibly help anyone else when you have so much on your own plate. It’s easy to get caught up in self and in your own world, especially with the responsibilities of our careers, raising our families, etc. Life can be very overwhelming at times. But if you truly want to be happier in life, you will find a way to give some of your time for helping others and giving back to the community. Giving helps you to stay connected to the outside world. It can also help you keep things in the proper perspective when you are feeling overwhelmed with your own life. Studies show that people that give are happier. Giving reduces the levels of stress hormones in your brain and this can also make you happier. Also if you are happier, then your are more productive which means you will be more successful. So with results like that, how can you afford not to give??
This same principle can apply to your marriage as well. I’ve learned that one of the main problems that couples have in a relationship is that they are focusing on self (with the I’ma do me and you do you type of attitudes.) Each person is only concerned with what will make them happy. Instead of focusing on self, couples should concentrate on giving to each other and start putting the needs of their spouse above their own….and the results will be a much happier marriage.
BMWK Family – what’s your 40-40-40 rule. Like Sylvia, how can you use the talents and resources that you have to help others in your community or to help your marriage? Do you have any examples of giving that you can share that might inspire us all to give back?
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